Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Bruins: Tuukka Rask needs to shake off rust fast

By Sam Minton

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JULY 30: Pierre-Luc Dubois #18 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is stopped by Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins during the first period in an exhibition game prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on July 30, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JULY 30: Pierre-Luc Dubois #18 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is stopped by Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins during the first period in an exhibition game prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on July 30, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

In the Boston Bruins exhibition matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, we saw that Tuukka Rask needs to perform much better.

Boston Bruins hockey finally made its return on Thursday night. Everywhere around New England, hockey fans rejoiced.

It was almost stunning to see live hockey being played. It was like being in a dreamlike state.

More from Chowder and Champions

While some players like Jack Studnicka for example looked great out on the ice, others showed that they still need to shake off some rust. Tuukka Rask is someone who will need to be better if the Bruins want to win the Stanley Cup.

When watching Rask you saw him giving up juicy rebounds and not being able to control the puck. We even saw Charlie McAvoy bail Rask out at one point in the game and made a save.

Columbus’ second goal of the game also stood out. It was a slap shot from the point that you would want Rask to save. He had a good enough look at the shot to stop it.

No matter how you slice it giving up three goals in one period is not ideal, but Rask doesn’t deserve all the blame either. Boston’s defensive unit struggled in their own zone. The majority of the goals were scored on one-timers where defenders failed to close in on opponents attacking the far post.

Rask had a great season prior to the suspension of the season. He went 26-8-6 with a 2.12 goals against average and .929 save percentage.

Hopefully, this is the wake up call that Rask needed. The Bruins play their first competitive game on Sunday against the Flyers. They might not be able to get home-ice advantage but it would be ideal if Boston got the No.1 seed. It would show just how ready they are for a long run in the playoffs.

Next. Anders Bjork deal is great for Boston. dark

Rask needs to be better and there’s no other way to put it.

Home/Boston Bruins